Author: Red Robinson
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Reditorial: Bean Counters Know Beans About Radio
“Most radio stations today are spending a fortune they don’t have, all chasing the same ever shrinking sliver of the audience. In the meantime, generations that have grown up on radio and still consider it important in their lives are begging for programming that appeals to them. Yes, it’s a more difficult demo for radio…
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Seattle Traditions: Pat O’Day, Hydros, Blue Angels
My friend and Seattle radio legend Pat O’Day takes center stage for the 42nd year at Seafair this weekend… along with the fastest powerboats in the world, the Unlimited Hydroplanes. There’s action in the air too: the U.S. Navy Blue Angels return to thrill crowds Saturday at 1:30pm. KIRO TV will air more than six…
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Senior Living profiles “The Old Redhead”
History was made on August 31, 1957 when Elvis Presley stepped onto the Empire Stadium stage to perform a rock ‘n’ roll show in Vancouver. Not only was it his first and only live show in Vancouver, it was the last time Elvis would ever grace a stage outside of the U.S. The Master of…
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Pink Martini, Ola Onabule in Vancouver
During the recent Vancouver International Jazz Festival it was my honour to emcee the Pink Martini concert at the Orpheum Theatre featuring vocalist China Forbes and leader Thomas M. Lauderdale on piano. They were accompanied by a 51 piece orchestra. It was a stirring spectacular. Actually, they were trying for a 54 piece orchestra but…
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Singer Terry Black remembered at service
When he was a teenager living in Vancouver, John Howell hated to go to Dance Party nights if Terry Black was there. “He was so good looking,” the Port Moody resident said, “that nobody else ever had a chance with any of the girls.” (more from Dale Bass – Kamloops This Week) Terry Black sings…
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Another passing: Terry Black at 60
Back in the British Invasion days a young Vancouver singer took the city by storm. His name was Terry Black and he was discovered by Buddy Clyde on CHAN-TV’s teen show Dance Party. Through some connections, Buddy was able to get the attention of Lou Adler from Dunhill Records, the same label that the Mamas…
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A month of goodbyes
It has been a trying month with the passing of sportscaster Ted Reynolds, ace announcer Al Jordan and musician/businessman Arnie Nelson. I was one of the many speakers at Arnie’s tribute. It was nice to see so many media people in attendance. Many had worked with Arnie during his career: former CKNW General Manager Bill…
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Chantal Kreviazuk visits
I was honored to be emcee for a recent appearance by Chantal Kreviazuk at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver. It was a benefit concert for the centre and for youth with ambitions in the creative arts field. Chantal is one of the warmest entertainers I have met in years. She honestly cares about…
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Friends say “goodbye” to Al Jordan
Saturday June 20 at the old Spencer mansion near Jericho Beach, a gathering of radio personalities came to pay tribute to one of the industry’s own, Al Jordan. It was a bright sunny day and friends and family were out in force. It was wonderful to see Al’s wife Donna on hand. Donna was accompanied…
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Reditorial: A Matter Of Opinion
I really enjoyed Rodger Harding‘s recent article in Broadcast Dialogue magazine: “I cannot count how often I hear the words appropriate and inappropriate. If inappropriate is interpreted as anything that might offend others, then I guess it would be safe to say that anything extreme, strongly worded, risque, contentious, ambiguous etc. would be included.” Rodger…